India launches Cruise Bharat Mission, a five year plan to grow ocean and river cruising

The initiative, spearheaded by MoPSW and the Ministry of Tourism, aims to transform ocean, river and island cruising across the sub-continent and unlock the treasures of India’s coastline and ancient heritage.

Sonowal said India is set to become a global hub for cruise tourism and the mission’s aim is to promote the subcontinent as the leading global cruise destination.

Dignitaries aboard Empress

Shantanu Thakur, minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways, joined Sonowal at the announcement which also saw Rajiv Jalota, chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, Vikas Narwal, MD of Indian Ports Association, and Jurgen Bailom, president of Cordelia Cruises, take to the stage.

The five-year target is to grow ocean cruise passengers from half a million to 1m and ocean and river cruise calls from 125 to 500 by 2025 and to offer 10 state-of-the-art ocean cruise terminals, five marinas and 100 river cruise terminals and for the sector to employ around half a million people.

Three-phased plan

The plan will be implemented in three phases through to end March 2029: Phase 1, between now and end September 2025, will focus on conducting studies, master planning and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries, as well as focusing on infrastructure at existing cruise terminals, marinas and destinations to enhance the cruise visitor experience.

Cruise terminal upgrades

Earlier in the event, Jalota shared Mumbai is due to open a new cruise terminal at the end of this year which will be managed by a concession under a 30 year contract. He also highlighted Goa is opening a new cruise facility soon whilst Vizag Port inaugurated a new terminal last September. Cochin, New Mangalore and Lashadweep are also planning upgradals. 'Developing new cruise infratsructure is the only way to gain momentum,' said Jalota.

Phase 2 (starting October 2025 to end March 2027) will focus on developing new cruise terminals, marinas and shore side infrastructure to boost destinations with high potential, while Phase 3 running from April 2027 through end March 2029, will cover integrating cruise activity across the subcontinent, and continuing the expansion and development of cruise terminals, marinas, and tourist destinations.

Revamp of cruise in India

Sonowal called the Cruise Bharat Mission, ‘a watershed moment in the revamp of the cruise sector of India’.

He continued, ‘Under the visionary leadership of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed to harness the tremendous potential of the Blue Economy of India. Based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amping up the cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources, the three phased mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade.’